POV: Lucian
Dawn came with footsteps.
I'd been counting hours in the Hall of Bones—counting heartbeats, breaths, the steady pulse of the bond between Lior and me. We'd whispered through the darkness, made promises we might not live to keep, held each other as tightly as silver chains allowed.
Now the footsteps echoed down the corridor outside. Measured. Ceremonial. The sound of vampires coming to collect their sacrifices.
"Lucian." Lior's voice was steady despite the fear I felt through the bond. "Whatever happens—"
"We die as one," I finished. "I know. I remember."
The door opened. Six guards entered, all carrying silver-edged weapons, all wearing the blank expressions of soldiers following orders they didn't question. Behind them came an executioner in ceremonial black, carrying chains meant to drag us to whatever burning awaited.
